Memory, Democracy and Transnational Reconciliation

ongoing

The project aims to develop an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teaching module to explore the connections between collective memory, national identities, and democratic cultures, and advance understanding of the role of collective remembrance in building political communities. In particular, it investigates the role and application of the EU and national memory strategies and approaches in 1). the construction of collective identities in plural societies; 2). democratization processes and shaping contemporary political preferences; 3). facilitating reconciliation, peace-building, and conflict resolution. Memory politics and processes will be examined in the context of three key globally timely themes: (1) civic engagement and participation; (2) migration & marginalized communities; and (3) security. The Module's objective is to familiarise participants with various ways collective memory can be mobilized to ensure stability of democratic order as well as present a threat to democracy. It also aims to provide participants with opportunities to better understand securitization of historical narratives and memory in international politics. The Module explores these issues by combining global and regional perspectives. It draws on history, sociology, cultural studies, political science and law, to improve understanding of processes that shape narratives of nationhood and belonging, influence political and rule making decisions, and thus secure or threaten democratic stability in Europe and worldwide. The Module targets university students at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, but is also open to other participants: policy makers, professionals from cultural institutions, NGOs, civil society groups. The Module offers expertise of international researchers working across disciplines in Europe and Australia. It is based at the Australian National University, renowned for its exceptional teaching and research.